Olympic champion Katie Taylor’s father injured in boxing club shooting

Man killed in the incident at gym where the world champion began her career

Taylor won gold at London 2012 (Getty)

The father of Olympic boxing gold medallist Katie Taylor "was shot" at a boxing club near Dublin.

Pete Taylor was injured at the Bray Boxing Club in County Wicklow where he was training fighters early Tuesday morning.

A 30-year-old man was killed and a third man was injured, Irish police said.

Katie Taylor – Ireland’s Olympic, European and world champion – began her career at the club which was established by Mr Taylor, before going on to win gold at London 2012.

The chairman of Bray Municipal Council, Chris Fox, said Katie Taylor’s father Pete was one of those shot.

Fellow councillor Michael O’Connor added: “Pete Taylor was shot.”

Two other men, aged 35 and 57, were also injured in the incident and taken to hospital.

Police said a suspect fled the scene in a silver-coloured Volkswagen Caddy van with Northern Irish plates. They are appealing for anyone with any information to contact them.

A technical examination of the area is being carried out by specialist officers.

Local Sinn Fein representative John Brady tweeted: “Absolutely shocking news coming from Bray Boxing club this morning. Another dark day for Bray.”

Ireland’s health minister Simon Harris, who represents the constituency of Wicklow, tweeted: “Shocking news in Bray this morning. I have no doubt that the Gardai (Irish police) are doing all they can to apprehend those responsible.”